Tenel Ka spent the better part of the days leading up to the ceremony sleeping, eating, and testing Gidden. His pronunciation was improving, even though his grammar wasn't. As it was, he already had the makings of a strong young Jedi. He wasn't telekinetically inclined, something she'd only seen in the Horn bloodline before, but his abilities did include a highly developed danger sense, a minor absorb/dissipate ability and the ability to hide in a crowd, to blur his image. It explained a lot as to his current whereabouts.
Gidden also exhibited similar scavenging traits that Tenel Ka had only seen before in their friend Zekk. Gidden wasn't mechanically inclined, but could find and trap all sorts of creatures. For a young child, he'd done well for himself.
Keeping in mind his age, Tenel Ka focused only on the abilities she was able to identify and use herself. Slowly, she came up with a plan that he could help with, outlining it in the barest of details so that it could be adapted to fit the situation they would be walking into. She felt certain that, whatever Jacen's plan, she would have to work around it.
Gidden worked diligently, making long ropes of coarse, braided hair from the animals found in the tunnels. They ate well, his traps bringing in several large rodent-like creatures with shaggy pelts and a tangy taste. Yet, Tenel Ka felt on edge. They were safe in his hideaway, carefully piling their supplies into her pack once they were made for quick movement, and only had to move once more when the guard arrived to try and round up table setters for the ceremony.
They returned to find half of the diggers had been taken, leaving ever fewer to do the tasks assigned. Tenel Ka couldn't help but note that the piles of rock never seemed to get bigger, but only seemed to change shape. Yet, even as she had watched, one of the diggers had cracked a seam in the ceiling and then placed several items inside. She'd ducked out of sight before being caught watching. These people too, were preparing for revolt.
Had Jacen managed to acquire the cooperation of all the men in this underground slave pit? She hoped so. Stretching out in the small shelter, she fingered the hilt of her lightsaber and then Jacen's. She would need to get it to him, and she already knew how she would do that. It was keeping Gidden safe at the same time which worried her. The child was getting attached and wouldn't let her leave his side.
A probable problem, but she had to admit she was enjoying the attention. Tenel Ka watched the child, running her gaze over the curly blonde hair, the narrow cheeks and down to the sure hands, moving quickly through the braiding motion. He was making more snares, more rope, which would help them occupy the guards. Her stomach fluttered and she pressed her hand to the gentle swell of her stomach. She hoped their child was as engaging.
Gidden looked up to find her staring and grinned, his smile almost impish. He'd lost the look of uncertainty and suspicion he'd first carried, now willing to let her lead and simply follow.
As it should be for a child of his age. "Are you finished, Gidden?"
"Almost." He continued to slowly braid the length, his attention focused. "You eat enough?"
"Yes."
"How come you don't speak much?"
"I do not believe friends need words. They can be comfortable in silence."
"But..." he frowned, trying to make sense of her logic. "Friends need to talk too!"
She nodded. "This is a fact."
He giggled, his eyes dancing. "You said it again!"
Tenel Ka arched an eyebrow. "This is also a fact. I am not a person of many words, Gidden. I do not like to speak at length if a small sentence will get my point across."
Gidden finished tying off the end of the rope before holding it over their hear source and searing the end. "How come? You have a pretty voice."
"Thank you."
He made a spontaneous face at her. "You don't smile neither. How come?"
She suppressed a sigh. He was certainly curious about her. "My family was not open with their emotions. It is a survival skill, similar to your ability to hide in plain sight. My enemies do not need to know my weaknesses."
"And smiling is a weakness?" He looked surprised before trying to school his features into a mask of emotionlessness to match hers. "It's hard."
"Fact. It is not easy and I have many more years of practice than you."
"Who tried to hurt you, Ten'Ka?"
She felt her lips twitch at his abbreviation of her name. She hadn't been able to get him to say her full name yet. Not that she was surprised, she was just happy his basic was improving; it made him easier to understand. "My grandmother."
"Mean lady?" His eyes widened dramatically. He edged closer, wrapping his arms around his legs. "How come?"
"My mother is not of Hapes and my grandmother did not think a half-breed Hapan should ascend to the throne. Not when she had no control of her upbringing."
"She didn't raise you?"
She shook her head once. "My mother insisted she raise me to know my dual heritage. I spent my youth, before the Jedi Academy, on Dathomir. I will take you there some day, if you like."
He nodded enthusiastically. "I wanna see! How diff'rnt is it?"
"Very. Have you been to the surface?"
Gidden shook his head, his eye shining with anticipation. "Nope."
Tenel Ka pointed at their rock roof. "There is no roof, only blue sky. There is a night and day, as set by our sun, not lights. The cities... they are not like the ones you know."
"How come?"
"We are not restricted to the dimensions of the existing tunnels and do not need to carve out caverns in which to build."
"Wow."
Tenel Ka inclined her head. "Yes, the structures are impressive. Where will you live, Gidden?"
He grinned. "That's easy. I come live with you and King, be special runner. Me good at that." He beamed.
Tenel Ka turned to words over in her head. Her grandmother wouldn't like that one bit. She saw him trying to smother a yawn and shook the dilemma away. "We will speak of it later, it is time for rest."
"Okay."
She arched an eyebrow as he went straight to his bed without complaint, aware that it was unusual for a child to behave in that manner, and came to the conclusion he was probably more tired than she. She settled into her own bed, the rocks forming the indent jagged at hip and knee, and closed her eyes. She always slept lightly and tonight, without a guard, she would sleep lighter than most. Nothing would happen to Gidden, not when she had the powers to stop it. In those moments before sleep she made a decision. Gidden would come to live at the palace before being apprenticed to a Jedi. As she drifted off into sleep, she found herself thinking that Jacen would not object. No, in fact, she was positive he would insist.
The thought was comforting.
Ta'a Chume looked over the vast, vacant area stretching out before the dais. Her chair, similar in detail to the Hapan throne, sat in the middle. Around it, in a semi circle and within line of sight, were chairs and cages for the slaves and women who would join her.
Directly in front and below, on a separate raised platform, was a cage with restraints. Jacen's cage. Her lip curled under her veil as she pictured the young man in her mind. Impudent, outspoken and infuriating. She didn't know what her granddaughter could possibly see in such a completely unsuitable male. Not that he was unpleasant looking - he was simply the wrong kind of male to be a consort. Too willful and demanding. Ta'a Chume found herself thinking about the gun of command and pushed the thought away. It was proven Jedi didn't respond well to it, and some were immune. It didn't help she no longer had access to the vault in the palace where it was kept. As useful as it was, it was beyond even her abilities to retrieve. For the moment.
Her thoughts came back to the present as the echoes of the caves, now as familiar as the waves crashing on the beaches of the Fountain Palace, soothed her. She could see the shadows moving against the walls, the eyes of the Defel's, the shadow people, their only visible identification. So useful. She knew her granddaughter was in the tunnels, just not where. Every time the Defel's caught her trail, it would disappear soon after. All Ta'a Chume knew for certain, was that Tenel Ka was here, somewhere, and probably set on rescuing her consort.
A lower cage near her was being prepped for a special guest, the restraints carefully short to keep the occupant on its knees or back. The occupant would be the last part of her plan; their bait, now that she'd fallen so easily into their hands. It was funny; Ta'a Chume had expected more from such a prisoner.
A smile twisted her lips. Tenel Ka wouldn't have a choice but to step forward. Let the little warrior princess come; she'd fall neatly into the trap.
Jacen was dragged from his cell in the evening the following day. By his heels.
He crossed his arms behind his head and waited as they dragged him into the hall. His dreams had been chaotic, mixed, and he was thankful they didn't expect him to walk from his cell just roused; he wasn't quite awake yet.
The feel of a blade against his neck as he was hauled to his feet brought him completely into consciousness. He didn't move as they slit the loose clothing from his body. Naked, the guards hauled him by the arms towards the ceremony grounds. He went along amiably, not a bit fazed by the change in their tactics. He'd have to find clothing eventually, to emerge on the surface, however, it wasn't necessary to his current plans. Of course, it would be a little unnerving having his wife's grandmother looking at him, but it was for a good cause.
He hoped.
They let him go as he kept pace, and Jacen walked between the four women with an easy stride. Completely awake and aware of his surroundings, he noted that there was an anticipation in the air. Not just the guards, their steps a little more lively than normal, but the slaves working in the main corridors had more energy, more purpose. He kept his face blank. Ta'a Chume was going to get quite the surprise when they made her a prisoner. Good thing he wasn't petty, he might just want her to endure what she'd put him through!
They turned a corner and stopped, the grounds spread out below them, beginning to fill with Ta'a Chume's loyal supporters and their staff. He idly noted that the men outnumbered the women almost six to one. A shame no one considered them a threat. There were already enough people gathered in the square to make him feel the first twinge of unease. Women, almost exclusively, lined the crowd nearest him, turning to see who was being escorted.
A stick in his kidneys pushed him forward, and he barely restrained himself as the hand of a nearby woman snaked towards his buttocks. The crowd didn't part, but pressed in towards him, hands grasping to feel his body as if he were a piece of meat at an auction. A sick feeling suddenly overcame him and his gaze sought Ta'a Chume. She was seated regally several yards away on her duplicate throne. Suddenly he knew that she was going to try and give him to one of her cronies. He wanted to wretch.
He pulled the guards closer to him, mentally using the Force to reinforce the command as the crowd began to press closer. The bodies of the guards shielded him from the wandering hands of the gathered. The guards finally stopped at the base of the separate cage, music starting up from somewhere in the square and floating over the assembly. The murmur of the crowd, so soft he hadn't noticed it before, now became a roar in his ears as he was forced into the cage. One guard grabbed his hands, slapping them into manacles before locking the cage. Spread wide, his arms offered no protection from the women's hungry looks.
Jacen looked at his situation, mentally trying, and only partially succeeding, to block out the lascivious stares of the power hungry women pressing to get a look at him. He couldn't help it; he laughed.
Ta'a Chume drew his gaze and he mockingly inclined his head towards her, feeling her anger. He hadn't expected her to try and humiliate him, or distract him by making him a side show. Point to Ta'a Chume. She seemed to recognize the gesture for what it was, but he barely saw the jerk of her chin before she pointedly ignored him. Apparently he wasn't the first item on the list for today's festivities.
Jacen blocked the uncomfortable feeling the lust filled eyes directed his way were sending him, and doggedly tried to find the contacts he'd made in the crowd.
Verak, his neck bound in a tight collar, staked to one of the females, his hair done nicely for the festival. Verak didn't look in Jacen's direction, and Jacen mentally nodded. One.
He scanned the crowd again, finding Jeck and Marh, the dissenter, bearing arms for the guards, their arms laden with ceremonial weapons, their backs bent under the weight. Two and three.
The last, Gan, he couldn't find. Jacen turned his head as far as he could to the right and left, observing that a pit had been dug a ways from him and filled with sand and water. Dueling. He shook his head, continuing to look for Gan, his brows drawing together when he was unable to locate him. He had to be there somewhere.
A Force presence washed over him, a sudden flare of anger mixed with amusement, and he knew Tenel Ka had arrived. He couldn't see her, but, from her emotions, he knew she could see him. And she was amused? He'd have to have words with that wife of his.
Jacen gave up looking for Gan, and turned his attention back to his target. Each of the sect leaders had been given a specific woman. Ta'a Chume's supporters were fair game to the slaves; it had been their one condition in dropping the tunnels and allowing the worst of them to escape. It had also been Jacen's only concession. The guards were to be allowed to return to the surface, as were any offspring or female help. Only the heads of the different houses could be targeted.
He hadn't liked giving the concession; however, the sect leaders had insisted it was their right. Jacen had chosen; the heads of the houses were weeds, and needed to be plucked.
Now, surrounded by the mass of grasping, scheming women, he didn't feel so bad giving that concession. It would serve them right for treating men like meat.
Silence descended over the crowd as Ta'a Chume rose to her feet. A herald announced her, starting with her lineage, and moving down through the titles to the final, "And former Queen of Hapes, Ta'a Chume."
The roar of the crowd for just a moment was no less deafening than the silence which immediately followed. Jacen shook his head, his ears ringing, as the echo bounced back, focusing on the cage. Vicious woman, he glared at Ta'a Chume. She was gesticulating to the crowd, standing regally as she spoke, and pointedly ignoring him; vicious, cunning, conniving woman. He rotated his shoulders, letting the aggravation drain away. She was expecting to put him off balance and he couldn't let her do that.
He turned to examine his manacles to get a feel for how long it would take to escape when Ta'a Chume's words caught his complete attention. He turned back just as she whipped a cover off the nearest slave's cage.
"-give you, the Yuuzhan Vong!"
He examined the captive with dread, a tight leash around their neck, drawn close to keep them on their knees. The woman, for she was half-turned his way and there was no doubting the silhouette, struck a chord immediately. The golden-violet eyes, the un-mutilated face, wreathed with a wealth of black hair.
Vola.
Vola's head lolled to one side, favoring one arm for the other, one of her knees twisted at an un-natural angle. One of her shoulders leaked blood through several wounds, staining the fabric of her torn and tattered shirt. She looked in his direction, her gaze pleading, glazed with pain.
Jacen shook his head fractionally, seeing the despair in her gaze, the same emotions he'd seen on Yuuzhan'tar when Nom Anor had decided to take her captive. He felt the weight of her silent plea bear down on him as he took in her injuries. Ta'a Chume had thrown a curve ball.
Ta'a Chume looked in Jacen's direction for a moment, and he felt violated, fighting the need to cross his legs. Ta'a Chume turned back to the mass. "This Yuuzhan Vong was caught on the surface attempting to enter the Royal Palace. She claimed to know the Royal Family. She knows of the male in front of you today. She has worked with him, helped him, in deceiving the Queen Mother to this new way of thinking. She has poisoned their minds with-"
Jacen blocked her out, focusing on Vola. The diminutive Yuuzhan Vong showed abrasive markings on her wrists and ankles where cuffs too tight for her limbs had rubbed them raw. Her clothing was in a sorry state, torn at hem and up one thigh. Apparently alien female prisoners didn't get the same treatment as their human counterparts in Ta'a Chume's world.
Jacen let the Force fall away from him, slipping into the unique sense of the Yuuzhan Vong which he'd practiced far too seldom in the last months. It was weak at first, difficult to grasp with so small a focal point, but he forced himself to concentrate. An assessment of Vola's physical state revealed significant injuries and he could tell she was in pain. He focused, finding the puncture wound in her upper back, through one of the muscles in her shoulder. Carefully, knowing he couldn't over tax himself with so much at stake, he repaired the worst of the wounds, encouraging the muscles to mend quickly. He heard her shriek from far away, and drew back, opening his eyes. Her arm and leg still broken, but the bleeding had stopped only Vola now lay unconscious in her cage.
Blaster bolts! Jacen winced. He'd pushed too fast, too far. She needed to see a healer, and quick.
Ta'a Chume hadn't stopped talking, simply assumed that Vola was acting based on her words. She didn't notice that the Yuuzhan Vong had stopped moving.
Jacen drew a deep breath, feeling his careful planning beginning to unravel. Vola was a wild card, Tenel Ka was a wild card and Flynn, for he had to be somewhere close by, was a wild card. Too many. There were too many unknowns, too many chances which shouldn't be taken and too many things which could go wrong.
A snap-hiss of a lightsaber was distinct in a sudden silence.
Jacen's head whipped around as Tenel Ka strode from the crowd, her amethyst blade held before her, her features blank. He noted she was alone, dressed in her armor, his lightsaber strapped to the belt at her waist. Her hair was braided for combat and wrapped tightly around her head. His heart sank. She'd seen Vola, seen the exchange, and noted that time was of the essence. Only she'd interpreted it wrong and now she, and their unborn child, were targets.
"Tenel Ka, don't!"
A murmur swept the crowd as Jacen's plea echoed through the cavern. His well laid plans were getting shot down one at a time, and now, with Tenel Ka in plain view, they'd crumbled completely. Improvisation was the only route.
Tenel Ka didn't look at him, simply stared straight at her grandmother. "Grandmother. Release them."
Ta'a Chume looked down at her granddaughter. "You were always a fool." Her voice rose, carrying to the women arrayed behind Tenel Ka and through the cave. "No Queen Mother in history has ever sacrificed anything for a male. And, yet, here you are placing your house, your line, your very life on the line for him. You actions have proven that you are not fit to be Queen Mother!"
Tenel Ka's eyes narrowed as she leapt to the dais, her lightsaber humming. "You have undermined my rule since before I was born. You have murdered my mother and stolen my husband. I will no longer bear your name. I no longer have a grandmother. I am now Tenel Ka Djo Solo. Your power stops here."
A collective gasp could be heard, and Ta'a Chume fell away from Tenel Ka, taking a step backwards in shock. "You can't. Without me, you have no claim to the throne!"
Tenel Ka eyed her steadily. "My mother, Teneniel Djo, was a princess of Dathomir and the Queen Mother of Hapes. I am my mother's daughter. You do not matter."
Ta'a Chume regarded her for a long moment and laughed. "You're in my world, Tenel Ka. Guards!"
Shadows detached themselves from the area around the platform. Tenel Ka didn't turn her gaze away from the woman she would never again call grandmother. "Are you so anxious to die?"
Ta'a Chume laughed harshly. "I could ask you the same, child. Seize her!"
Tenel Ka whirled in a graceful move, kicking out and catching three of the Defels in one movement. Two went down mortally wounded from her lightsaber, their shrieks piercing in their tone, as the third fell away to regroup. Four more pressed in. Tenel Ka leapt from the dais to the ground, moving in perfect harmony with the Force.
Jacen watched her with a barely constrained awe. She was immersing herself in the Force, letting it flow more completely through her than he'd even felt before. And she was doing it because she had to, because he could feel her physical and mental focus waning; all because she was carrying his child.
Guilt overcame him. She had come for him, acted before she was ready to free a friend, and was now putting herself in danger. She was in danger because he hadn't been able to act first. She looked straight at him suddenly, as if reading his thoughts. One of the guards struck her in the middle, causing her to double over and roll at the unexpected blow.
"Tenel Ka!"
She rolled backwards, regaining her feet. With another graceful jump, she move to the cage where Jacen was being kept, her lightsaber slashing before her feet touched the platform.
And simple as that, he was free. Wasting no time, he called his lightsaber to him. It sprang to his grip from her belt, igniting mid-air, and he slashed the bars even as she cut through the bottom of the bars. Jacen grabbed her with his other arm as she made to move away. "Stay with me!" he told her, dropping to the ground.
The crowd parted as they fell into a defensive stance. Jacen faced the crowd; Tenel Ka faced the dais where Ta'a Chume stood. The Defels crowed in, and Tenel Ka fell back, knocking into Jacen.
"Tenel Ka?"
She made a sound he hadn't heard before, and he could feel a sudden surge of alarm, whirling to the front of her, and meeting the Defels straight on. They fell quickly before him before Ta'a Chume finally called them off. In front of Jacen's whirling green blade, there was little the shadow people could do.
Tenel Ka was trembling at Jacen's back; he could feel it where her hip touched his. He turned, pulling her close to his side, her lightsaber trailing downwards and out. Daring a look down to her face, he saw a sheen of sweat on her forehead. Blaster bolts! It was late night, late enough that she would be feeling the effects of her pregnancy after a long day. "Don't quit on me now, Tenel Ka."
"Never." Her reply was soft, but determined, her gray eyes glazed from the effort to control her body's natural instincts. She swallowed convulsively, lifting her blade. "Next time we vacation, Jacen Solo, I expect sunshine, not rock, overhead."
He laughed, releasing her. "But tunnels are our forte, my love, and you look so lovely covered in rock dust. When we get out of here, I promise you a real vacation."
"I have missed you, Jacen."
He swung his blade. "You're making jokes, so you must have. Let's get out of here, and then I can show you how much I missed you. To Arms!" His voice rose above the noise, carrying through the cavern easily. He wryly wondered why he'd bothered thinking of a speech to rouse the men when he'd known he'd never have a chance to use it.
As if awaiting his signal, the slaves suddenly erupted from their slack state, turning on their masters and the guards as one wave, hitting most and rending unconscious a good number as the attacks blind-sided the ever-confident women. Skirmishes broke out, some pockets of alert guards backing into each other and swinging at the nearest men. The men retrieved the weapons of the fallen and moved to engage, yelling war cries that were lost in the roar of the battle.
Jacen pushed his way forward, Tenel Ka watching his back, as they made their way towards Ta'a Chume. Around them, former slaves fell to the blades of the guards, only for the guards to fall to more slaves. Jacen avoided the pockets of fighting he could, slashing his way around the outskirts of several as they moved back and forth in front of him.
A giggle was suddenly heard above the shouts of injured and surprised guards, followed by a rock. "Mean lady have no family!"
"Gidden, do not!" Tenel Ka's command was firm.
"You no fun, Ten'Ka!" another rock pelted the former Queen Mother on the dais. "But me listen."
Ta'a Chume glared at the direction the rocks were thrown from as she was attempting to organize some kind of resistance. Gidden's giggle came again and he revealed himself for only a moment to stick his tongue out at her before disappearing again.
Ta'a Chume moved, directing like a general from the dais, Defels and her guards arrayed in a tight circle around the base. One smaller squad she directed in Gidden's direction, but them met immediate resistance and were hauled down under a mass of men.
Jacen and Tenel Ka cut into the guards around the base of the dais with sure strokes, giving them the opportunity to run. Every one stood their ground, facing off against the Jedi with the intention of dying for the former Queen Mother. Limbs were cut off and screams filled their ears as one after another they moved to face the Jedi.
Tenel Ka finally turned off her lightsaber, sick of the injuries and death. "The Queen Mother commands you move aside. Your penalty is death for disobedience."
She could see the guards waver, and allowed Force compulsion to enter her voice. "Now."
They broke and ran, the Defels melting into the shadows as Tenel Ka fought her revulsion of the creatures. She couldn't stop to deal with it now.
"Someone get that child!"
Tenel Ka and Jacen turned as another group of guards broke from the fight, heading for Gidden. Jacen moved to follow, but Tenel Ka placed her hand on his arm, shaking her head once. "We cannot."
Jacen watched, amazed, as Gidden pelted the guards with rocks, knocking some of them over from the force of his throws. The little boy appeared to grow in size, causing the guards to slow in confusion. Jacen chuckled, able to see through the illusion. That power didn't normally manifest so early. "I'll have to ask you how you taught him that later."
Tenel Ka wasn't listening, already climbing the steps to the dais. "Ta'a Chume."
A sudden, unexpected kick, sent Tenel Ka back down the stairs and straight into Jacen's arms.
"Tenel Ka?" his throat was dry; she had to be more off balance than he thought to be caught so unawares.
"I am alright. Get her. She cannot be allowed to escape."
He noted she was dazed, pale and ashen under her color. She pushed him away. "Go. I will be alright."
He gave her a hard look, bending down to kiss her quickly before jumping straight up to the dais. He landed behind of Ta'a Chume, grabbing her by the arms and lifting her off the ground as she was attempting to go over the other side. "I will not allow you to threaten my family any longer! Ta'a Chume, I place you under arrest for espionage, illegal activities and assault of a Noble. With the Queen Mother's power, you will submit to Hapan authorities and stand trial for your crimes."
He placed her roughly on the ground, grabbing her hands and twisting them behind her back. "Move."
Her feet remained locked in place.
Jacen bent his head close to her ear. "You're not worth my time, Ta'a Chume, but if I have to break both of your legs to make them bend, I will."
She jerked at the unexpected threat. "You have no power, male."
He pushed her forward, sending her tumbling to the ground at the bottom of the stairs. "I have more than you like, which is why you hate me so much."
Tenel Ka knelt next to the former monarch and cast a glance his way. "You will need to carry her."
He blinked. "I didn't break anything, why?"
Tenel Ka waved her hand at the woman. "She is unconscious."
Jacen crouched down as Verak appeared in front of him, the long time slave looking at Tenel Ka cautiously. "Jacen, we've bound or captured most of the guards and female assistants. Where did you want us to put them?"
"We'll need to bring them to the surface and drop the tunnels before those who didn't come today hear of this. Without her," he waved a hand at Ta'a Chume's still form, "they won't have a leader to focus on."
Verak nodded, turning to go, "I'll let Jeck know."
"And Verak?"
"Yes?"
"Could you find me some pants?"
Verak laughed as he moved back into the mass of people. Tenel Ka looked up at her husband as Gidden appeared at her side. "King fight good."
She placed her hand on his shoulder, hearing Jacen's lightsaber ignite as he moved away again. "Did the guards surrender?"
Gidden nodded vigorously. "Yup, yup! They think me big and mean. Let Marh's guys tie 'em up. I laugh when they see me just a kid. This is fun, is all Jedi stuff this fun?"
Tenel Ka squeezed his shoulder. "You have done well, Gidden."
Gidden's eyes widened and he took a step back as Jacen dropped to the ground in front of them, the unconscious Vola held tightly in his arms.
"Eek!" he screamed, darting behind Tenel Ka.
Tenel Ka eyed Gidden. "Vola is a friend. Do not be frightened."
Jacen gently stroked Vola's cheek. "If she's here, where's Flynn?"
Gidden peeked around Tenel Ka. "Ten'Ka, is Flynn funny talking man?"
Jacen looked to his wife for an explanation.
Tenel Ka's lips twitched. "My cousin appeared on our way here. They arrived yesterday, and Vola was kidnapped. He came searching for her."
"So where is he now?"
Tenel Ka turned, looking out across the mass of bodies which was slowly organizing into ranks as the women were led from the cave towards the surface exits. A lone figure was making their way against the crowd, dragging one of the guards by the hair. "There."
Jacen followed her gaze and swore, putting Vola carefully on the ground before moving quickly to meet the agitated young man.
"Jacen, my man this is some party you guys throw. Thanks for rescuing my girl!"
Jacen winced at the choice of words, shouted across the distance. He covered the ground quickly, meeting Flynn half-way. "I'd say welcome to my world, but you're not supposed to be here."
Flynn grinned easily. "We're thinking about honeymooning here - if we can find someone to perform the ceremony. Though," his face darkened. "I don't think Vola'll be so down with the idea any more. We didn't get the royal welcome, if you know what I mean."
Jacen slapped the younger man on the shoulder. "Drop your captive with the guards and we'll see if we can fix that."
Flynn shrugged, dropping the unconscious woman he held by the hair. "I was thinking a hostage trade, ya know, one for one. Glad to see you got the wrinkled hag."
Jacen laughed. "Wrinkled hag? You can't see her face!"
"It ain't the appearance man, you should know that. That one was a right witch."
Jacen shook his head silently, marveling at the man's opinions. Flynn just couldn't be told what to think, which was probably a good thing since he was thinking of making Ta'a Chume his slave for a day. He coughed to hide a sudden laugh, leading Flynn back to where Tenel Ka was tending Vola's injuries. Flynn as Ta'a Chume's punishment? Vola would have a field day.
"How is she?"
Tenel Ka looked up from her patient as Flynn knelt on Vola's other side. "She will live, but she will need to rest. It is good to see you cousin."
Flynn grinned, "You too, Tenel Ka. Who's your shadow? I didn't have a chance to ask when I caught up with you before all this started." He waved a hand indicating the area where the slaves were herding the women towards the surface exits.
"I Gidden," the boy grinned, extending a grubby hand. "Ten'Ka says you nice man and she good womans?"
Flynn chuckled. "Gidden, huh? Nice to know ya. This here's Vola, she's going to be my wife."
Gidden's eyes widened comically. "But she a mean one!"
Jacen chuckled. "Have you met Yuuzhan Vong before, Gidden?"
Gidden blushed, scuffing one shoe in the dust. "No, King, me haven't. Stories are bad, real bad. Nobody badder, not even mean lady. Them bads."
Flynn ruffled Gidden's hair. "When she's better, maybe you can talk with her, little man. Vola's the sweetest person you'll ever meet."
"Nuh uh! Ten'Ka sweetest!"
Flynn grinned. "Aye, she can be, and Jacen here'd agree with ya. I'm kinda bias."
"You staying with Ten'Ka and King too?"
Jacen looked at the boy amused, "Too? Tenel Ka, did you invite him to come stay with us?"
"I did."
Jacen looked at her, expecting more, but she continued to quietly tend Vola's wounds. It was as if she had extended the invitation and that was that. "Uh, Tenel Ka, don't you think we should talk about this?"
She rose to her feet, dusting off her knees. "She will be fine, Flynn. Carry her carefully." She turned to Jacen. "Is it a problem?"
"No, I just-"
"Do you not wish it?"
"No, I-"
"He has potential and no where to go. Do you expect me to leave him here?"
"No, I don-"
"Then there is nothing to dis-."
Jacen pulled her close, slanting his mouth over hers to shut her up long enough to get a word in edgewise. She melted under his touch, her body firmly pressing against his, molding itself to him. His hands slid down her arms, grasping her by the upper arms and caressing the firm, muscular flesh. She arched into him, her mouth opening to his. Jacen pulled away, feeling his knees trembling. "Will you let me get two words in edgewise?" he asked hoarsely.
She nodded mutely, her gray eyes molten silver with hunger.
He closed his eyes for a moment, gathering his thoughts before meeting her gaze again. "I don't have a problem with Gidden coming to live with us. My question is for how long. Are you thinking about making him a part of the family or is this just until Uncle Luke can be called to find him a master?"
Her mouth worked for a moment, her eyes slowly returning to normal as she forced herself to think. "I have not decided."
"Would you like him to stay with us?" His hand slipped down to cover her abdomen, "Do you think he'd like to be an older brother?"
Tenel Ka looked over where the boy was in a discussion with Flynn. He was obviously enthralled by the tale Flynn was spinning as he'd assumed what she had taken to calling his 'listening' pose. He was sitting on the ground, his arms wrapped tightly around legs pulled close to his chest, his eyes almost bulging out of his head. "He would treat any child of ours as his own kin," she answered honestly. "I do not know if I wish him the problems of living in the palace."
Jacen laughed softly, gently turning her face back his way and stroking her cheek, reluctantly leaving the firm skin of her abdomen. "You didn't turn out so bad, love. His upbringing so far was at least as harsh as yours. I won't object, if that's what you're worried about; I'll even volunteer to take him on as an apprentice."
Her lips stretched just a fraction, sliding into the soft smile that was his and his alone. "I did not want to ask."
His head bent towards her fractionally. "Scared, my love?"
"Never."
"Then what?"
"Nervous. One child is enough to have within a year. Gidden would constitute a second."
Jacen chuckled, lowering his head. "I think we'll manage."
She met his head half-way, kissing him lingeringly.
"Ten'Ka!"
Jacen groaned as she pulled away, burying his face in the side of her neck. His arms dropped to his waist, his fingers digging into her hips and preventing her from moving away. "Don't move, Tenel Ka, or I'll embarrass myself."
Her eyes danced as she gave him a knowing look. "Yes, Gidden?"
"I got pants for King! Verak said I big help, I get big honor. You proud of me?"
"Very. Quickly, give them to Jacen."
Gidden paused just out of reach. "Why you hug King?"
Jacen laughed silently into her shoulder, his arms still tight around her.
"I have missed him."
"But... you saw him two days ago, me help, remember?"
Tenel Ka nodded. "I know. But we had to leave him there. This time, he is coming home with us."
"Yipee!" Gidden bounded closer, holding out the pants. "Do me have to keep calling him King?"
Jacen looked up, accepting the pants and turning his back to the child to put them on, careful to keep Tenel Ka between him and Gidden. He was glad the child didn't pursue; that could have proved awkward.
"You may call him Jacen, Gidden. King is his title."
"Yay! Me like Jay."
Jacen laughed. "Jay is my sister's nick name; I don't think I'd answer to it after all these years."
Gidden frowned. "Jay-sin. You name hard."
Jacen tied off the pants, glad to be covered again, before turning back to Gidden. "You'll get it, Gidden."
Gidden nodded vigorously. "I try really, really hard. Ten'Ka, we going yet?"
Tenel Ka took his hand and turned him back to Flynn and Vola. Flynn was in the process of tying Ta'a Chume's hands and feet together. "We are ready."
Jacen stepped up, sliding an arm around her waist as they moved back to join Flynn. Vola and Ta'a Chume still lay unconscious. Flynn looked up as they approached and stopped, sitting back on his heel and grinning. "Ya look like a little family, cuz. Jacen, my man, when are you going to give me some second cousins, eh?"
"Sooner than you think, Flynn. How's Vola doing?"
Flynn blinked once, not quite catching the meaning behind Jacen's response before answering. "She's not awake yet, but I think she'll be ok. Tenel Ka wields one mean bandage. We should get out of here. I'm hearing echoes; like something's coming. I don't think we wanna get caught up in it, if you know what I mean."
"Echos?" Gidden cocked his head, listening. His eyes widened after a couple of moments. "More bad womans coming! Lots of em! Maybe army."
"Then let's get out of here. Tenel Ka...?"
She stepped away, taking up her lightsaber, un-ignited. Her face was pale, drawn, and Jacen knew she would never admit to the weakness pulsing through her body. She was too proud. "I am ready. Come."
Jacen picked up Ta'a Chume with one arm, and slung her over his shoulder, keeping on hand free just in case. Flynn carefully picked up Vola, unable to be rough with her. Jacen motioned for Flynn to go in the middle. "Gidden, go with Tenel Ka, help her. I'll watch our backs."
And so they set out, casting a warning that wasn't necessary to the long-time cave-dwelling folk. Most of the prisoners were already moved out, those that couldn't move would be left behind for their fellows to find. None of the bodies of the slain men were left behind for defilement. They moved into the tunnels, hearing the roar of which Gidden and Flynn had spoken getting louder.
Suddenly, the shadows exploded from either side, attacking the column of men heading for the surface. Tenel Ka's lightsaber ignited immediately, flashing left and right, cutting them a path through the Defels. There were hundreds, falling over the column like a black wave and leaving dead or dying in their wake as they retreated.
"Run!" Jacen used the Force to project his voice. "Drop the tunnels and run!"
Bedlam.
Jacen felt something grab his foot, trying to take his balance, and he swept it aside, propelling it away with a push of the Force. He held out his hand, feeling the power flowing through his veins as he drew on it time and time again.
Flynn kicked out, sending one of the creatures sprawling as it tried to grab Vola.
Gidden grabbed handfuls of rocks and pelted the creatures time and time again as they appeared to descend with ever increasing numbers on Tenel Ka. Jacen reached out to her, bolstering her powers with his own as she whirled in a graceful, powerful dance of death and destruction. And as he fed her, she fed him back, assisting his focus.
Suddenly, as they traded energy back and forth, another presence made itself known, almost blinding in it's potential as power, raw and untrained, was added to their link.
Tenel Ka moved faster, so much so that it appeared a wall of violet had sprung up around her, shielding her from harm.
Jacen's powers were unaffected as he fed the energy straight back to its source, giving Gidden the strength to escape the Defel that had grabbed his arm, trying to drag him away from the group. Gidden sent it sprawling with a push of his hand.
Suddenly, they were on the surface, and a rumble, louder than anything they'd heard below, began under their feet. A crashing noise, a puff of smoke, and their way under the world was closed.
The bond between Jacen, Tenel Ka and Gidden faded as they each pulled away. Tenel Ka hooked her lightsaber to her belt, looking around her as if not believing the star studded sky was suddenly above her again. She made to take a step, turning to head for the palace, and her leg folded beneath her like cloth, her eyes rolling back in her head. Underneath the star lit sky, on the outskirts of the Fountain palace grounds, Tenel Ka Djo Solo, Queen Mother of Hapes, fainted.
Jacen lunged for Tenel Ka as she fell, catching her just before she hit the ground and cradling her close to his chest.
"Impossible woman," he told her affectionately, stroking her hair back from her face. She was breathing evenly, her lashes dark against the pallor of her skin. "You never know when you've had enough, Tenel Ka, never."
Her lashes fluttered. He dropped a gentle kiss on her forehead just as her eyes opened. He felt her stiffen as she took in her position. "You fainted, love. How do you feel?"
"I am-"
He placed a finger against her lips. "You're not. How do you feel, really?"
She was silent for a long minute. "I am very, very tired."
"Ten'Ka?"
She looked up as Gidden stopped beside her, his small hand reaching towards her before falling away in uncertainty.
"I am alright, Gidden."
"You sure? That was scary. Me thought someone try and kill you!"
Jacen chuckled. "No, she just doesn't know when to call it quits. She'll be ok."
"Jay-sin won't hurt Ten'Ka, right?"
Jacen looked down at his wife, smiling. "Never."
She squirmed, trying to get up, and he helped her to her feet, carefully keeping an arm around her. He knew better, exhaustion or not, to try and make her rest just yet. They still had things to finish. "Gidden."
"Yup, Jay-sin?"
"Can you find me Marh, Jeck and Gan? Verak too, if he's here."
"'course, me smart!" Gidden darted off.
Jacen caught Flynn's nod as he turned back to Tenel Ka. Flynn would keep an eye on Ta'a Chume for a minute. "Are you really just tired, Tenel Ka?"
She slanted a look at him. "I am carrying your child, Jacen Solo, is that not enough?"
His smile was faint. "More than enough reason to be tired and the best reason why you shouldn't have come after me."
She looked up at him, reaching around his waist to pull him close. "I cannot bear the thought of life without you. To mother your child alone... would be unthinkable."
He wrapped her close, resting his chin on the top of her head, and closing his eyes. "You think I don't feel the same way? I could have lost you down there, Tenel Ka. You of all people know a warrior shouldn't put themselves at risk if the risk will endanger others."
"I had to help."
He sighed. "I know. Thank you."
"You are welcome."
The silence between them lasted for only a few moments. "What are we going to do with all these men, Tenel Ka? I won't have them at the palace; even I don't like that much competition."
"They are free to do as they please. I will offer each of them one thousand credits and several of Galinore's gems as compensation."
"Very generous, Queen Mother."
She stepped back and he let her go reluctantly, noting her serious expression. "It is the right thing to do. Come. We must find the guards and put Ta'a Chume into custody."
He caught her left arm as she turned to go. "Did you mean it?"
She cocked her head at him.
"Did you mean what you said about her not being your kin anymore?"
Tenel Ka nodded once. "It will strip her of her power and influence. She will not have the resources she once had at her disposal. As it should be."
"Fair enough." Jacen released her. "I need to talk to what sect heads made it out. I'll tell them of your offer."
"Their entitlement," she corrected. "We will document them. Any man who was a slave underground will be entitled to this. I will have them decree it."
Jacen smiled. "I love you."
She simply smiled one of her rare smiles and walked away.
Jacen shook his head, unable not to return the smile, even though she couldn't see it.
"You're in a good mood."
The distinctive voice of his tunnel friend made him turn. His smile died.
All of the sect heads except Gan had made it out, and every one of them were a pile of scratches, bruises and broken bones. He could see three slings, one splint, two crutches and various other make-shift bandages between them. He was suddenly acutely aware of the sound of the wounded, their moans and muffled screams as their medicine men walked among them. He shook off the guilty feeling. Not one of the men would trade their injuries if it meant not having their freedom.
"Can I get you medical attention, Verak? Marh? Jeck?"
The three of them shook their heads. Jeck offered his hand. "You've done well, King of Hapes. I like to see a man keep his promises."
Jacen accepted the hand and shook it firmly, "Glad to help. Welcome to the surface."
"Where's your wife going?"
"To find the guards to put these women into custody."
"Oh." Jeck was silent for a moment. "So what happens now?"
Jacen chuckled. "First we find you guys medical attention. Then, once everyone's healed, Tenel Ka's offered each of you, any man who was a slave underground, one thousand credits and a couple of gems from Gallinore. They should help you get settled anywhere you want in the Consortium or out."
"Leave?" Jeck looked appalled. "Leave Hapes? Never. This is our home. Some of those who weren't born here might take you up on it, but I don't think most of us will."
Marh nodded. "Jeck's right. We can't thank you enough for the opportunity to escape that life, Jacen. You're a man of your word."
Jacen shrugged. "It was the right thing to do; I only caught the head of the beast, you guys and your sects did most of the work."
"Only the head he says!" Marh slapped Jacen on the back. "You're alright, Solo, you're alright. Thanks for the offer too, we might just take you up on that."
"It's the least we can do. Tell you what, I'll arrange to have the worst of your men taken to the palace to use our bacta tanks. Kriff, everyone can have a quick dip to help if they need it."
"Hate to sound ungrateful, but we need to start building ourselves a new life, Jacen. We should spread out; we can take care of our wounded."
"Take care of yourself, Jeck, Marh. It's been good working with you."
Handshakes were given all around before Jeck and Marh went their separate ways.
Verak held back. "I knew you'd do it, Jacen. Thank you."
Jacen clasped the warm handshake of his friend with a twinge of sadness. "I'll miss you, Verak. Good Journey."
Verak smiled. "It will be a great journey. Thank you, Jacen, we can never repay you."
Jacen watched the other man walk away as Flynn joined him. "Some adventures end when the friends you meet go their separate ways."
"Amen, my man, amen."
